The UK has experienced a surge in demand for designer crossbreeds, such as Labradoodles, particularly during 2019–2020. Burnett et al. (2022) investigated the pre-purchase motivations, behaviors, and purchase pathways of over 6,200 new puppy owners, comparing those who acquired designer crossbreeds (n=1,575) to purebreds (n=4,718).
A key finding was that hypoallergenicity drove nearly half of designer crossbreed purchases (47.1%), a rate six times higher than for purebred owners. This perceived advantage remains scientifically unsubstantiated, raising concerns about misaligned expectations and potential relinquishment if health or allergy issues arise.
The study also revealed that designer crossbreeds were more often purchased through general selling websites like Gumtree, with fewer owners meeting the puppy’s mother or littermates before purchase. Such practices align with irresponsible breeding and selling channels, which often lack adequate health testing or welfare safeguards.
Financially, designer crossbreeds commanded significantly higher prices, with a quarter of buyers paying between £2000–£2999. Despite the high cost, reduced scrutiny of breeding practices and health checks could increase the risk of inherited diseases and long-term welfare issues for this growing dog population.
The authors conclude that the popularity of designer crossbreeds is being fuelled by misconceptions and consumer behaviors that may inadvertently support unsustainable and unethical breeding practices, with lasting implications for both dogs and their owners.
Source: Burnett, E., Brand, C., O’Neill, D., Pegram, C., Belshaw, Z., Stevens, K. B., & Packer, R. (2022). How much is that doodle in the window? Exploring motivations and behaviours of UK owners acquiring designer crossbreed dogs (2019-2020). Canine Medicine and Genetics, 9.
